Diabetes: 10 tips to overcome the Camino de Santiago
To many adventurous people, a disease like diabetes You can limit them when carrying out certain activities. Undertaking a walk of several days like those that are made on the Camino de Santiago is not an impediment for people with diabetes.
The key to overcoming the challenge of the different stages of the Camino de Santiago when you have diabetes is to be well informed to control the disease in the various situations that arise.
Tips to overcome the Camino de Santiago with diabetes
Now, the platform People who offers to people with diabetes 10 tips to overcome the Camino de Santiago and overcome this challenge successfully.
1. Previous training. It is advisable to go for a walk at least one hour a day, every day, to check how you are reacting and how your body is adapting. It is necessary to make changes of rhythm, walking the first 10 minutes at a quiet pace to warm the musculoskeletal system. Then alternate one minute at a faster pace, and five minutes at a smooth pace. Continue to complete one hour.
2. Before you start. Your medical team must be informed of your adventure so that it can draw up a medication and nutrition plan for the Camino. In this plan you can plan the strategy of basal and fast-acting insulin injections before each meal, as well as the amount of carbohydrates that you should consume in your diet.
3. Travel kit. You must take enough insulin and calculate the amount you will need for the days you will be traveling. It is important to carry at least an extra 25%. Keep in mind that insulin, out of cold, lasts approximately 30 days and during this time it remains without problems. However, it is advisable to store the medication in a portable refrigerator to avoid sudden changes in temperature. Do not forget your glucagon kit.
4. Emergency glucose. It is as important as insulin and the recommendation is that it is glucose in gel or liquid of high glycemic index for cases of hypoglycemia.
5. Comfortable and suitable footwear. The choice of a good footwear is essential for diabetics, which should be used together with technical mountain socks. Wear a half-boots or trekking shoes, whose sole is not very rigid and allows you to fold the boot, with a deep drawing and various shapes. The boots must be waterproof and breathable.
6. Care of the feet. To protect the feet, pay attention to hygiene, hydration and nails. The feet should be washed every day with warm water and neutral soap. You can use an antiseptic for the skin and moisturizer after each stage and before sleeping ..
7. Control during the road. Measure your glucose levels before and during each stage of the route. Then, once you have finished (and also hours later), you should get blood glucose checks, since it is usual that with the heat the sensations of hypoglycemia are accentuated, especially in climates to which we are not accustomed.
8. Save your medical instruments. Although your glucometer and your insulin pump are not medicines, they can be damaged due to high temperatures. Store them in a cool, dry place.
9. Blisters. If you have a blister, do not remove the skin, just emptying the liquid is more than enough. For this you can help with a sterile insulin needle that is unused. With cotton or gauze, rub antiseptic in the area of the ampoule and carefully pinch it to let it empty at the other end. Once empty, you can put a Band-Aid on it.
10. Hypoglycemia. To prevent glucose drops, during the stage eat some nuts and some chocolate every hour or an hour and a half, and take the opportunity to look at your blood glucose. The effort of the road can disguise the symptoms of a drop in blood glucose. Measure your blood glucose levels before, during and after each stage.
Tomás García. Managing Director of People Who
